Get ready to head back to the swamp! DreamWorks Animation has officially announced that “Shrek 5” is in development, slated for release on July 1, 2026. Fans of the franchise will be thrilled to hear that original stars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz are all set to reprise their iconic roles.
However, the return of Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots remains unconfirmed at this time. “Shrek 5” will be directed by Walt Dohrn, who has a long history with the series, having contributed as a writer and artist on “Shrek 2” and “Shrek the Third,” and served as head of story on “Shrek Forever After,” in which he also voiced Rumpelstiltskin. Producing the film are Gina Shay, a veteran of the franchise, and Chris Meledandri, the founder of Illumination. Brad Ableson will co-direct.
Eddie Murphy hinted in June that production on the film had already begun. In an interview with Collider, Murphy revealed, “We started doing [‘Shrek 5’] months ago. I recorded the first act, and we’ll be finishing it up this year. ‘Shrek’ is coming out, and Donkey’s gonna have his own movie too.”
Not too Far, Far Away… @Shrek 5 is coming to theaters on July 1, 2026 with Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz. pic.twitter.com/3j6ctXpPGu
— DreamWorks Animation (@Dreamworks) July 9, 2024
The “Shrek” series released four films between 2001 and 2010. The original “Shrek” was a game-changer for DreamWorks Animation, grossing $487 million worldwide and becoming the first Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature. “Shrek 2” followed with an even more impressive $928 million gross. Both films were in competition for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Although “Shrek the Third” and “Shrek Forever After” didn’t reach the same critical heights, they still grossed $813 million and $752 million globally, respectively. The “Puss in Boots” spinoffs were also successful, earning $555 million and $484 million.
In 2018, Variety reported that Universal Pictures had tasked Chris Meledandri with reviving the “Shrek” and “Puss in Boots” franchises. Meledandri, known for producing the “Despicable Me” franchise and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” emphasized the importance of maintaining the original vocal performances. “The challenge for us has been to find something that feels like it’s not simply yet another film in a series of sequels,” Meledandri said.
The franchise’s latest addition, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” released in December 2022, was a box office hit, grossing $484 million and earning an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. This success reignited interest in a fifth “Shrek” film. In January 2023, Murphy expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “If [DreamWorks] ever came with another ‘Shrek,’ I’d do it in two seconds. I love Donkey.”
Meledandri responded positively to Murphy’s comments, telling Variety in April 2023, “It’s evidence of his strong enthusiasm for a role that he so brilliantly inhabited. I found that comment very exciting.” He also expressed confidence that Donkey could headline his own film, similar to the Puss in Boots spinoffs.
Negotiations with Myers, Diaz, and Murphy were reportedly going well, with Meledandri stating, “We anticipate the cast coming back. Talks are starting now, and every indication is that there’s tremendous enthusiasm on behalf of the actors to return.”
With the original cast likely to return and new adventures in store, “Shrek 5” promises to be an exciting continuation of the beloved franchise.
